Attacks on strategic infrastructure in Africa threaten economic stability, disrupt essential services, and weaken national security. These assaults deter foreign investment, fuel political instability, and create long-term challenges for governments and businesses, making infrastructure protection a critical priority for sustainable development.
The March 2025 suspension of operations at Alphamin Resources’ Bisie tin mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the battle-induced shutdown of Sudan’s al-Jaili oil refinery highlights the growing security risks facing African strategic infrastructure. These sorts of disruptions threaten local economies and send shockwaves through global supply chains, impacting critical minerals, energy security, and manufacturing industries worldwide.
The M23 rebel group captured the Walikale district on March 19, 2025, forcing Alphamin Resources to halt operations at Bisie, one of the world’s top three tin mines, responsible for 7% of global tin production. The rebels’ strategic objective was clear: to dominate mineral-rich territories, establish control over extraction activities, and impose taxation.
This abrupt tin supply shock sent prices soaring to an eight-month high of $35,615 per metric ton on the London Metal Exchange (LME). The tin market, already struggling with supply constraints since Myanmar’s Man Maw mine shutdown in August 2023, now faces renewed volatility. Tin is essential for electronics manufacturing, so global supply chain managers must navigate rising costs and ethical sourcing concerns as tin from conflict zones enters the market.
In Sudan, the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led to the shutdown of the al-Jaili refinery, Sudan’s most significant oil processing facility. This attack underscores how critical energy infrastructure becomes both a military target and a casualty of war.
The refinery’s destruction has disrupted Sudan’s fuel supply, impacting civilian and military operations. Although engineers have begun rebuilding efforts, the high-risk environment poses ongoing threats to restoration. The unpredictability of conflict-driven disruptions makes long-term planning increasingly difficult for international businesses reliant on regional refineries and supply routes.
These incidents highlight the escalating risks for companies operating in conflict-prone regions. Armed groups frequently target strategic assets, making infrastructure security, ethical sourcing, and crisis response planning critical for companies operating in these environments.
To mitigate risks, businesses must:
1. Develop crisis response strategies to minimise financial and operational disruptions.
2. Enhance supply chain resilience to adapt to volatile commodity markets.
3. Maintain ethical sourcing by ensuring compliance with international regulations.
4. Prioritise personnel safety with robust security measures.
5. Engage with local communities to support stability and long-term recovery efforts.
As Africa’s security landscape in 2025 remains volatile, companies involved in mining, energy, and logistics must prepare for ongoing disruptions. The geopolitical and economic implications of infrastructure attacks extend beyond national borders, affecting global commodity markets, energy security, and manufacturing industries.
Staying informed about emerging security risks in Africa is essential for business leaders, investors, and supply chain managers. Companies that proactively manage risk, improve supply chain agility, and bolster infrastructure security will be better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.
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